This summer, make your visit to Speculator, NY a memorable one. Located in the Adirondack State Park, this beautiful area has much to offer in the way of natural beauty and family-friendly activities. Whether you want to explore a hiking trail, have fun in the sun on the beach, or take in a few fun oddities and points of interest, when you travel to Speculator there is something for everyone.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of things to do and sights to see in and around the Speculator area. From rocks that look like livestock and mysterious formations, to the natural wonder of the Adirondack Mountains, our list is just a small sample of the many places to go in our region. We hope you enjoy this overview, and that your visit with us is enjoyable!
1. Kunjamuk Cave
Is the Kunjamuk Cave natural or man-made? Nobody knows for sure, which is one of the reasons it has become such an attraction for the region. According to the Visit Adirondacks website, the cave has many origin stories, none of which have been confirmed by local historians. The cave itself is only about 15 feet long, with a small hole above that allows the sunlight in.
If You Go:
- At the intersection of Routes 8 and 30 in the village of Speculator, look for Elm Lake Road.
- Follow Elm Lake Road for 1.8 miles to a dirt road on the right.
- Park at Perkins Clearing.
- Follow the dirt road to Kunjamuk Cave.
2. Moffitt Beach Campground
Looking for an inexpensive outdoor adventure you and your entire family can enjoy? Consider camping at Moffitt Beach! According to the DEC website, camping there is only $22 per night for New York State residents. The campground offers a picnic area featuring tables and fireplaces, pavilion rentals, a shower and bathroom facility. Additionally, you can relax on the beach – there is a sand beach onsite with swimming area and changing facilities.
If You Go:
Moffitt Beach State Campground
217 Page St.
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
3. Mini Route 66
This summer, you can get your kicks on Mini Route 66 – just by visiting us here in Speculator! Mini buildings have been constructed, mostly from found materials, which hearken to scenes along the iconic Route 66. Replicas include a church, gas station, general store, barbershop, school, post office and ice cream parlor. Each building is only 96 square feet, and touring the tiny buildings is free to the public.
If You Go:
Mini Route 66
Speculator, NY 12164
(Located on the grounds of the Speculator Ball Field and Pavilion)
4. Painted Pig Rock
A roadside oddity kind of like a ball of twine or giant duck, Painted Pig Rock is a sight that many passing motorists have to stop to see, to believe. According to the radio station Big Frog 104, the rock has graced the east side of Route 30 since the 1960s, and is painted grey with an eye and snout. Apparently, the DOT unearthed it during a road construction project during the mid-1950s, and some girls noticed it looked like a pig and gave it a paint job. While it might be one of the area’s sillier landmarks, it makes for a great photo op!
If You Go:
Painted Pig Rock
NY-30
Speculator, NY 12164
5. Jessup River Wild Forest
The Jessup River Wild Forest is a 47,000+-acre forest reserve in Lake Pleasant. It is part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. It provides many opportunities for hiking trails for novices through seasoned hikers, including the Baldface Mountain Trail. There are several campgrounds, including the aforementioned Moffitt Beach, Lewey Lake Campground & Day Use Area, and Indian Lake Islands Campground & Day Use Area. You can learn more on the DEC website.
If You Go:
Jessup River Wild Forest
2496 NY-8
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
6. Auger Falls Loop
Located in Wells, about 8 miles outside of Speculator, is Auger Falls Loop, a hiking trail along a stream that leads to beautiful waterfalls. The hiking trail is well marked, but a word of caution – the trail can be very slippery! However, it is a short trail, and can be walked in an hour by a family with kids or a less-experienced hiker. It can also double as a pleasant snowshoe trail in the winter months, but it can be icy!
If You Go:
Auger Falls Trailhead
NY-30
Wells, NY 12190
7. Lake Pleasant Fishing
Lake Pleasant provides an enjoyable fishing experience for many different types of anglers. Because it is both a cold and warm water lake, it is home to a variety of species of fish, including smallmouth, largemouth, and rock bass, rainbow, brown, and lake trout, brown bullhead, yellow perch, chain pickerel, smelt and walleye. There is boat access to the lake near the outlet at the Sacandaga River, as well as an accessible fishing platform at the mouth of Cherry Brook. Learn more on the DEC website.
If You Go:
Lake Pleasant, NY12108
When you’re in Speculator, be sure to stop by Charlie Johns for all your needs. Whether you need bug spray or groceries for your campsite for the week, you’ll find everything you need at our store. And don’t miss our sister store, the Speculator Dept. Store, which features quality brands of clothing, as well as unique gifts, jewelry and collectibles. Wishing you a spectacular stay in Speculator!